Gareth Bale

Former Wales, Tottenham and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33.

Bale has not announced what his next plans are: "I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life," he wrote in his retirement statement. "So for now I am stepping back, but not away from the team that lives in me and runs through my veins," he added. He captained the team into that competition and, in announcing his retirement, [issued a separate statement](https://twitter.com/GarethBale11/status/1612467320181477378) addressed to his "Welsh family." "My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am," Bale wrote. At club level, Bale started his professional career at Southampton, and his form there earned him a move to Tottenham in May 2007. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me."

The 33-year-old Wales captain thanked his fans and said that the sport had given him "the highest of highs" over his 17 season career.

Los Angeles also congratulated the Welshman, describing him as "Forever a champion. Leaving the door open for potential future involvement with the Welsh national side, he added: "So for now I am stepping back, but not away from the team that lives in me and runs through my veins. He added: "My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me." It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. Wales, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton pay tribute to the star.

The Welsh winger played his last game at the 2022 World Cup in Wales' 3-0 loss to England.

A National icon in Wales, Bale ended his international career last month after their loss to England in the World Cup. After six seasons at Spurs, the Welshman moved to Real Madrid in one of the most expensive transfers in history. His last act in club football was to score a 128th-minute equaliser in the MLS Cup final, with LAFC ultimately winning on penalties. Bale began his career at Southampton and made his debut for the Saints as a 16-year-old. Bale concludes the statement by thanking his family, before saying "I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me."

Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from football. Bale, Wales' most-capped men's player with 111 appearances, wrote on Instagram: “After careful and ...

64 – Bale became the first Wales player to score at a World Cup for 64 years in Qatar. 16 – Bale was 16 years and 315 days old when he became the youngest player to play for his country on May 27, 2006. 3 – Goals against England, Slovakia and Russia at Euro 2016. “My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.” “I am honoured and humbled to have been able to play a part in the history of this incredible country, to have felt the support and passion of the red wall, and together have been to unexpected and amazing places.

Five-time Champions League winner and Welsh football icon Gareth Bale has retired at the age of 33.

How do I put into words the way I felt, every single time I put on that Welsh shirt? “So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. How do I articulate the impact it has had on my life? “It was an honor to have one of the most talented, dynamic and exciting players of his generation finish his career with a title for LAFC, and we wish Gareth, his wife Emma, and their family nothing but the best in their future endeavors,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said in a statement. “My decision to retire from International football has been, by far the hardest of my career,” he said in a separate “I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldn’t have ever dreamed of when I first started out at 9 years old.

The 33-year-old reached two major tournaments with his country and won five European Cups with Real Madrid.

“My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.” “I am honoured and humbled to have been able to play a part in the history of this incredible country, to have felt the support and passion of the red wall, and together have been to unexpected and amazing places.

The Welshman scored a record 41 goals for his country and 106 for Real Madrid.

Bale scored twice in the 2018 Champions League final to secure Real’s 13th triumph in the tournament. Bale repaid a vast chunk of his world record £85.3 million transfer fee in the 2014 Champions League final against Real’s neighbours Atletico. Having outpaced Bartra, he then scored from a tight angle – the 20th goal of his first season in Spain and his maiden strike in a Clasico fixture.

Gareth Bale of Wales leads the applause for the fans after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and England at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on ...

"So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. "My wife and my children, your love and support has carried me through. "I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love.

Bale, Wales' most-capped men's player with 111 appearances, confirmed the decision on social media. The former Southampton, Tottenham and Real Madrid forward ...

Ashley Williams, another former Wales team-mate of Bale’s, said in an Instagram story: "It’s been an honour and an absolute pleasure to play with and against you during your amazing career. Son Heung-min, who played alongside Bale during his second spell at Spurs, wrote: "A legend of Spurs and a legend of football. Wishing you all the best and hopefully you can get on the PGA soon. "His figure will always be linked to the history and legend of our club. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement." Wishing you the best luck in your next chapter mate." "Your runs were a joy to assist! "My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me." He could run long distance, sprint at amazing speed, shoot with both feet, head it, dribble and his physique was incredible. Welsh Mafia Forever." "I am honoured and humbled to have been able to play a part in the history of this incredible country, to have felt the support and passion of the red wall, and together have been to unexpected and amazing places.

By Phil Blanche, PA. Gareth Bale can look back on some amazing goals after announcing his retirement from football. Bale scored a record 41 goals for the ...

Bale scored twice in the 2018 Champions League final to secure Real’s 13th triumph in the tournament. Bale struck again by latching on to a loose ball and shooting beautifully on the turn, allowing Wales to progress to a play-off final against Ukraine, which they would win 1-0. Bale became the first substitute to score twice in a Champions League final and was named man of the match. Bale repaid a vast chunk of his world record £85.3 million transfer fee in the 2014 Champions League final against Real’s neighbours Atletico. Having outpaced Bartra, he then scored from a tight angle – the 20th goal of his first season in Spain and his maiden strike in a Clasico fixture. A hat-trick at the San Siro was the then 21-year-old’s breakout performance to the world.

Real Madrid have expressed their 'affection and love for a great legend' of their club following the retirement of Gareth Bale.

Thank you for all the memories, both on and off the pitch. Ashley Williams, another former Wales team-mate of Bale’s, said in an Instagram story: “It’s been an honour and an absolute pleasure to play with and against you during your amazing career. Wishing you all the best and hopefully you can get on the PGA soon. “It’s been a pleasure to play with you both at club and country. “Your runs were a joy to assist! Mason, who remained part of Antonio Conte’s coaching staff, tweeted: “It was a pleasure to both play with you and then coach you during your journey. Your runs were a joy to assist! “His figure will always be linked to the history and legend of our club. He later returned to the London club on loan during the 2020-21 season before leaving Real permanently for Los Angeles FC. He told ITV: “For me he is one of the clutch players. Wishing the happiest of retirements to a player I had the absolute pleasure to play alongside. I think the record just speaks for itself.”

Bale scored a record 41 goals for the Wales men's team and 106 in his trophy-laden Real Madrid career. Here, the PA news agency picks out six of Bale's best ...

Bale scored twice in the 2018 Champions League final to secure Real’s 13th triumph in the tournament. Bale struck again by latching on to a loose ball and shooting beautifully on the turn, allowing Wales to progress to a play-off final against Ukraine, which they would win 1-0. Bale became the first substitute to score twice in a Champions League final and was named man of the match. Bale repaid a vast chunk of his world record £85.3 million transfer fee in the 2014 Champions League final against Real’s neighbours Atletico. Having outpaced Bartra, he then scored from a tight angle – the 20th goal of his first season in Spain and his maiden strike in a Clasico fixture. A hat-trick at the San Siro was the then 21-year-old’s breakout performance to the world.

The former Tottenham and Real Madrid winger remains a legend of the national team, having guided Wales to two European Championships and its first FIFA ...

It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football,” Bale said on Twitter. Bale played a Wales record of 111 games for his country and was a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid.

Bale, the Wales captain and former Real and Tottenham star, announced he had decided to hang up his boots at the age of 33 on Monday. It brings to an end a ...

Thank you for all the memories, both on and off the pitch. Ashley Williams, another former Wales team-mate of Bale’s, said in an Instagram story: “It’s been an honour and an absolute pleasure to play with and against you during your amazing career. Wishing you all the best and hopefully you can get on the PGA soon. “It’s been a pleasure to play with you both at club and country. “Your runs were a joy to assist! Mason, who remained part of Antonio Conte’s coaching staff, tweeted: “It was a pleasure to both play with you and then coach you during your journey. “His figure will always be linked to the history and legend of our club. Your runs were a joy to assist! He later returned to the London club on loan during the 2020-21 season before leaving Real permanently for Los Angeles FC. He told ITV: “For me he is one of the clutch players. He could run long distance, sprint at amazing speed, shoot with both feet, head it, dribble and his physique was incredible. I think the record just speaks for itself.”

Bale, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid who is Wales' most-capped male player and their record men's goalscorer, announced his decision on ...

His figure will always be linked to the history and legend of our club.” “My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am. He could run long distance, sprint at amazing speed, shoot with both feet, head it, dribble and his physique was incredible. All the best with whatever’s next!” The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.” A further tweet labelled Bale a “genius” and another said “he was born to play for Spurs”.

Wales captain Gareth Bale admitted he was “incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream” as he announced his retirement from football following a trophy-laden ...

He could run long distance, sprint at amazing speed, shoot with both feet, head it, dribble and his physique was incredible. All the best with whatever’s next!” “My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am. His figure will always be linked to the history and legend of our club.” The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.” [January 9, 2023]

The 33-year-old made a record 111 appearances for the Wales men's team and scored 41 goals. Wales manager Rob Page (right) told Gareth Bale that he agreed with ...

Guardiola, a keen golfer like Bale, said: “What a player. “There’s a mixture of emotions for me. Fantastic career, won a lot of things. “His presence is something I would be really keen on, to keep him involved, but I’ll leave it up to Gareth and what suits him and his family. “But there’s also a hint of sadness because it’s the last time we’ll see Gareth Bale putting a pair of boots on for Wales.” The roles might have changed slightly.

It's to his enormous credit that he managed it at all with Madrid, and there were certainly games – Champions League finals among them – where he did. But in ...

The winner at West Ham was perhaps the best of the lot but the 86th- and 89th-minute strikes to earn 1-0 wins over Southampton and Sunderland in Spurs’ last two home games were perhaps the clearest examples of what Bale was about that season. In the summer of 2012 Spurs brought in Hugo Lloris, Mousa Dembele and Jan Vertonghen, the three players who would go on to form the spine of Pochettino’s team along with Harry Kane, who made his Premier League debut as a late sub in the first game of 2012/13 before going out on loan to Norwich. There had already been further clues in Spurs’ patchy early-season form that Bale was about to evolve into his lethal final form, most notably a stunning individual display in a raucous 3-2 win over eventual champions Manchester United at Old Trafford where Bale scored one after a blistering, muscular run that left Rio Ferdinand trailing in his wake and assisted the other two. Watching videos of his goalscoring antics that season you can sense two distinct noises in the build-up. But in that Spurs team it seemed to happen every single week. There are few things more beguiling in football than a largely humdrum team being elevated by the presence of a single other-worldly presence.

Real Madrid stars past and present have been paying tribute to Gareth Bale after the Welshman announced his retirement from football.

View this post on Instagram “Gareth, it has been a pleasure to share so many good times with you,” posted Bale’s former captain Sergio Ramos. I wish you all the best in this new stage.”

The five-times Champions League winner has called time on his career weeks after captaining Wales at their first World Cup since 1958.

A Spanish journalist claims Gareth Bale "lacked empathy" following the Wales legend's retirement from football. On Monday, the 33-year-old confirmed he had ...

In that Order.'" But he lacked empathy, and he said it well in that unsympathetic (flag) 'Wales. [Gareth Bale's agent reveals exactly why he retired and says he 'could surprise everybody' with next move](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gareth-bales-agent-reveals-exactly-25936648) [Gareth Bale announces immediate retirement: Live updates and reaction](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gareth-bale-retirement-live-news-25932445) [Gareth Bale writes emotional letter to Wales as he quits football immediately](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gareth-bale-writes-emotional-letter-25932599) [Unseen footage shows special way Neco Williams found out Gareth Bale had scored as he couldn't bear to watch](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/unseen-footage-shows-special-way-25586093) [Aaron Ramsey fails to return to club a month after Wales' World Cup exit as he struggles with what happened](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aaron-ramsey-fails-return-club-25846471) [Gareth Bale net worth and his other business interests after announcing retirement](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gareth-bale-net-worth-business-25932906) "The rest is up to him. And it's a shame, because he had exceptional natural conditions for height, speed and his left leg. Let's stay with that.

Bale, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid who is Wales' most-capped male player and their record men's goalscorer, announced his decision on ...

He could run long distance, sprint at amazing speed, shoot with both feet, head it, dribble and his physique was incredible. All the best with whatever’s next!” “My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am. His figure will always be linked to the history and legend of our club.” The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.” [January 9, 2023]

Wales manager Rob Page reveals details of his conversation with Gareth Bale ahead of his retirement announcement; I told him I think its the right time to ...

He was the first through the building and he's a credit to himself and his family the way he conducts himself in the group. "We appreciate their forthrightness in coming to us when they did. "There's a mixture of emotions for me. When the time is right we'll talk about what capacity we keep him involved." You've just scored in a World Cup and got everything on your CV, what you've done for this country is unbelievable." It's not the news we wanted to start the new year with but we knew it was going to come one day. The roles might have changed slightly. "When you've got someone of Bale's stature and what he's done for Wales, the impact he can have - even being in the changing room and the impact he can have on the players, then I've got to take advantage of that. We just didn't know when it was going to come." He was so proud to put that jersey on. "I've now worked with him for a couple of years and when I was in the U21s, I could see from afar that he was passionate about playing for his country. "He's put Wales on the map globally for what he's done in European football at Real Madrid and what he did at Tottenham in the Premier League and then in the World Cup with Wales.